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Soccer News of Thursday, 18 July 2002

Source: gna

National Chapters Committee Calls On Supporters to Remain Calm

The National Chapters Committee of Accra Hearts of Oak Sporting Limited has appealed to its teeming supporters to exercise great caution on Sunday, as the club lock horns with archrivals Kumasi Asante Kotoko, in the first match of the second round.

Mr Neil Armstrong Mortagbe, Financial Controller of the Committee, urged the fans at a press conference in Accra on Tuesday to comport themselves "for the good of the game".

He however, lambasted Kotoko fans for their unruly behaviour during the last encounter at the Kumasi Sports Stadium where the Phobians, were pelted with bagged water among other offensive objects.

Recounting some of the incidents, Mr Mortagbe said, Hearts fans were subjected to unnecessary searches while some ball boys harassed goalkeeper, Sammy Adjei.

He assured Kotoko fans of adequate security at the stadium but appealed to them to exhibit good behaviour before, during and after the game and urged them to accept any result that comes their way.

Mr Mortagbe said football is a game of passion and as such, government's interference is not going to be tolerated as happened in Kumasi.

He commended Hearts' supporters for displaying maturity in the face of strong provocation, and added, "Please keep it up".

Meanwhile, a peace musical concert dubbed "Asomdwea Nkomo," would be organised by the Management of Accra Hearts of Oak as a prelude to their second round, first match against Kumasi Asante Kotoko on Sunday at the Accra Sports Stadium.

A statement issued in Accra on Wednesday and signed by Mr Asford Tettey Oku, Administrative Manager of Hearts said, the concert forms part of the healing process started last year.

The concert starts at noon and would feature artists such as Slim Buster, Tic Tac, Paa Dogo and Frontomfrom among others.

Meanwhile, representatives of the Board of Directors of Hearts would on Sunday, present two footballs to Charles Taylor, for scoring two hat tricks during the first round against Maxbees and Mine Stars.